Anxiety Support Group
Anxiety is a physical condition marked by intense and persistent feelings of distress, fear, angst or dread. General anxiety caused by routine day-to-day stresses usually passes quickly and is experienced by almost everyone at one time or another. However, such feelings that linger over time and are very difficult to cope with, and which lack a clear cause, may indicate...
Hi there. I'm so glad I came across this site. Hope it helps! I first had panic attacks in 2003. Back then I took Paxil for a few years. I eventually stopped all meds and have been doing just fine for the last 5 years. Well, I guess it is back for a visit because I've been have anxiety a lot again! I really don't want to go on meds again. I would love to get this under control with therapy, which I've never tried. What are your thoughts about cognitive behavioral therapy? I've been feeling crappy lately. Thanks!
Another one wanted to do EFT (meridian tapping)
The ones who used CBT would hand me ancient photocopied sheets of typewritten affirmations to take home. That happened twice. There was also a lot of writing homework, which didn't set well with me either.
I do better where I go sit and talk to somebody and THEY give ME suggestions on what to do.
I'm giving it another shot next week. I'm going in for an interview where I can find out more about the therapist and what kind of approach they take.
I'm not trying to discourage CBT. I'd definitely try it and see if it helps.
Good luck!
Yes yes yes.....Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the KEY to overcoming this condition. Anxiety is absolutly nothing more then reactions to the way that you are currently thinking.....that is it in a nut shell.
I know this because I suffered for years and years and years with debilitating anxiety. I tried every so called treatment to rid myself from the terrifying sensations that anxiety plagued me with. Some would work....but only for short term only to return my anxieties with a vengeance.
It wasn't until I learned over time how to change the thoughts that were causing my horrific body responses that I finally overcame anxiety completely. It has been 5 years now and I know for the first time in my life that anxiety will NEVER come back. It can't....because I know now what I was doing, thinking and reacting to that created anxiety in the first place.
Now....don't get me wrong...of course I will get a rush of adrenaline if someone cuts me off when I'm driving on the highway or if I have to get up to give a speach in public.....here's the thing though....this is NORMAL anxiety. These sensations that occur during these times of stress quickly pass once I am able to process what is happening. I used to wake up every morning, laying in my perfectly safe bed with full throttle panic...this is NOT NORMAL...haha!
Medication will help with the sensations of anxiety and if someone is basically not living a normal life because of anxiety they, by all means, should talk to someone about medication so that they can function....BUT...medication is a temporary fix....it will NEVER take away the thoughs that cause anxiety in the first place. That my dear only happens if you learn to change those thoughts by rebutting them over and over and over again until they no longer crowd your thoughts. Overtime the negetive thoughs just fade away and are replaced with positive thoughts that help you to live a positive life.
This is what CBT does!!!
I used a program by Lucinda Bassett. Claire Weeks has another one. I even have a 12 weeks post here on DS on my journal page if you are interested in my journey and tips on how to use CBT to overcome anxiety. Friend me if you are interested.
My best to you!